Romanians went to the polls on Sunday in a parliamentary election that comes in the midst of a two-round presidential race, causing significant upheaval in the country. The election will determine the formation of the 466-seat legislature and a new government, with about 42% of eligible voters having cast their ballots by 5 p.m., according to the Central Election Bureau.
The first round of the presidential race saw a controversial far-right populist candidate leading in votes, sparking concerns and protests due to his past remarks praising fascist leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This unexpected turn of events has raised questions about the shift towards far-right populism in Romania.
The success of the far-right candidate has been linked to his popularity on TikTok, with reports suggesting a sudden surge in engagement on the platform. Concerns have been raised about potential electoral violations and Russian interference in the election process.
The Constitutional Court has ordered a recount of all votes following complaints of electoral law violations, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the election results. Political analysts predict that the election outcome could reshape the political landscape in Romania, with far-right parties possibly gaining significant ground.
Despite the traditional dominance of the Social Democratic Party and the National Liberal Party in Romanian politics, an unlikely coalition formed in 2021 has faced challenges, further complicating the political scenario. The incumbent Prime Minister emphasized the importance of choosing stability over chaos in these high-stakes elections.
As Romanians navigate through this critical election, the future political direction of the country remains uncertain. With various parties vying for power and the electorate divided, the outcome of the parliamentary election will have far-reaching implications for Romania's political landscape.
